Dana White’s Contender Series 20 took place Tuesday in Las Vegas, and we’re grading the winners from the five-fight card, which streamed on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
With a refreshing but digestible format that has had the MMA fanbase responding, this series has shown to have legs in multiple ways while serving as a crockpot for contenders whom the UFC matchmakers can use for future events. So with that trend in mind, I will once again be taking a look at the winning fighters, regardless of whether or not they won a UFC contract – grading their performances in regards to their probability of returning to a UFC stage.
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Brendan Allen
Weight class: Middleweight
Result: Brendan Allen def. Aaron Jeffery via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:23
Grade: A
Summary: Coming in as the biggest favorite of the night, Brendan Allen made a good account of himself against Aaron Jeffery.
Allen, the former LFA middleweight title-holder, was the fighter whose regional resume stood out the most on this card. And with his only losses coming to UFC talent, Allen – as pointed out by my colleague Nolan King – was arguably risking a lot by opting for this entry point into the organization (especially against another guy who looks good getting off the proverbial bus).
Jeffery is young but promising-looking Canadian fighter who is apart of this season’s international invasion, though tonight may have been a reminder that he may need more seasoning before jumping back into the oven that is the Contender Series. Allen was able to exercise his experience by bringing the pressure early, flowing from Thai clinches to standing submission attempts that eventually opened up an early back-take.
Jeffery was able to break free of the initial strangleholds while striking vigorously off separations, but it wasn’t enough. Allen kept his cool under fire and timed a beautiful knee from the clinch that sent his Canadian counterpart to the floor, where Allen followed him to wrap up his 9th career (if you include his amateur record) rear-naked choke win.
Dana White slow-played his signing of Allen at first, but thankfully awarded the deserving middleweight a contract. The 23-year-old is already calling for a quick turnaround in November at The Garden, citing his baby’s due date. Should the UFC grant his wish, then I’d like to see him matched up with either Deron Winn or Eric Spicely, as I believe either would make for fun, appropriate matchups.
Kevin Syler
Weight class: Featherweight
Result: Kevin Syler def. Lance Lawrence via unanimous-decision
Grade: B-
Summary: After coming in 6 pounds heavy for a featherweight affair with Lance Lawrence, it was clear that the odds (despite being the second-biggest betting favorite on the card) would be stacked against Kevin Syler in regards to earning a contract.
Syler, who used to compete at bantamweight, showed that size wasn’t going to be an issue either way, as the Bolivian-born fighter came out showing off the striking that I, and many, suspected he would lean on in this matchup. Syler built a ton of momentum off of straight jabs and crosses on a tall and upright Lawrence, mixing in leg and spinning kicks when appropriate.
However, come the second round, Syler – whether it be the weight cut or otherwise – began to visibly fatigue. Lawrence, despite taking a ton of damage and having a hematoma to show for it, was as game a fighter as this series has seen.
Taking advantage of the slowing Syler whenever he could, Lawrence rallied to a strong third round, which saw him take down and take the back of his American Top Team counterpart (displaying toughness that had us all scratching our heads). Syler was able to escape the position and immediately score a back-take of his own, but wasn’t able to finish before the final bell.
Syler sounded all but understanding of his situation, stating his apologies and asking the UFC brass for another chance to earn a shot. I don’t know if the promotion will be too eager to give him any short-notice spots (Contender Series or otherwise) considering the gross weight miss here. But at only 25-years-old, I’m sure Syler will be a shoo-in for next season if he keeps a positive trajectory.
Don’Tale Mayes
Weight class: Heavyweight
Result: Dontale Mayes def. Ricardo Prasel via first-round TKO (punches)
Grade: A
Summary: Breaking this season’s streak of failed returns for Contender Series alum, Don'Tale Mayes came up large in Las Vegas when he clashed with Ricardo Prasel, earning an A and, more importantly, a UFC contract for his efforts.
Mayes, who lost his Contender Series debut but got a win in his sophomore appearance, came into this showcase spot noticeably slimmer than in the past (hoping to address previous gas tank issues, I assume). Though Mayes didn’t necessarily have to prove it here, it was an adjustment that didn’t go unnoticed by the UFC president.
Whereas Prasel, who is a uniquely-tall and athletic heavyweight, came into this contest hot, ready to make his mark fast. Using pressure and kicking attacks, Prasel tried his best to push Mayes towards the fence three-times over, but the American was able to continually find his separations.
In fact, Mayes displayed solid balance and composure when defending Prasel’s takedown attempts, calmly resetting to space once able to break free. And once Mayes heard the 10-second clapper, the 27-year-old threw a follow-up left from a shifting southpaw stance to knock Prasel senseless (a shot that Paul Felder called from commentary, by the way).
I was happy to see Mayes – who immediately welcomed any and all comers – officially make it to the UFC. I suspect we’ll see him pop up on a show before year’s end, preferably against other tall heavyweights who are also trying to work their way up the ladder like Maurice Greene or Juan Espino (should he be ready to return from injury).
Ode Osbourne
Weight class: Bantamweight
Result: Ode Osbourne def. Armondo Villarreal via first-round submission
Grade: A
Summary: In what was arguably the most impressive performance of the night, Ode Osbourne earns an easy A for his comprehensive, one-round donnybrook with Armando Villarreal.
Villarreal, who was favored to win on paper (and not exactly without reason, mind you), came out the gates swinging like a prime Gilbert Melendez, blitzing forward with punches to close space. Unfortunately for him, the fast start – nor the southpaw versus southpaw stylings – seemed to dissuade Osbourne from finding his form.
Osbourne found his range and rhythm quickly, slipping Villarreal’s strikes with little effort or worry as he looked to catch kicks and counter emphatically.
Though Osbourne – who wrestled in college – was eventually taken down by Villarreal, he showed good takedown defense and positional awareness prior. And when planted on his back, the 27-year-old bantamweight was able to get his boasted guard game going, securing a slick armbar to finish Villarreal at the end of the round.
Aside from the obvious contract, Osbourne clearly impressed the UFC president (who had a visible sidebar with the prospect prior to his post-fight media scrum), as well myself with the way he handled himself in said scrum. Osbourne being a school teacher certainly smacks of one Rich Franklin, but his confidence perhaps portends another story of success altogether.
Either way, I suspect Osbourne to be matched appropriately going forward. For my money, make it an entertaining test with fighters the likes of Cole Smith or Jonathan Martinez.
Antonio Arroyo
Weight class: Middleweight
Result: Antonio Arroyo def. Stephen Regman via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 3:31
Grade: A
Summary: Showing why he closed as a slight favorite over Steve Regman, it’s hard to deny Antonio Arroyo an A in his contract-winning performance that capped off the night.
Despite getting a win on short notice in his initial Contender Series (Brazil) appearance, Arroyo was passed over on the night when it came to contracts. But that experience (amongst others) gave the Brazilian a confidence that became crystal clear as soon as the fight started.
Launching left power kicks at Regman from the southpaw stance, Arroyo asserted himself as the more powerful party from the start (as if it wasn’t already apparent by their size). Regman did his best to compose himself and counter with the occasional blitz, but his offerings were few and far between.
The American was even able to get on top of Arroyo on multiple occasions, but was reluctant to exercise advantageous positions, allowing the Brazilian back to his feet. And sure enough, that gave Arroyo another opportunity to land a head kick that, though partially blocked, still sent Regman to the canvas.
To Regman’s credit, he kept trying to fight by attacking a worthy armbar off of his back. The submission attempt, however, only opened up Regman further, which allowed Arroyo to advance on a nice head-and-arm choke.
Arroyo’s charisma and character already seem like it can exceed language barriers, but his skills may still need a slower build. I’d like to either see Arroyo against an overseas opponent like Abu Azaitar, or perhaps you could even rebook his Future FC matchup (from earlier this year) with newly-minted UFC middleweight Wellington Turman, who lost a somewhat controversial decision earlier this month.
For complete coverage of Dana White’s Contender Series 20, check out the UFC Events.
